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Following the Rules By Using the Right Tools

Recently, while watching an episode of “Mutt and Stuff” with my grandson, the segment talked about “following the rules” while you are on an airplane. Since this is a show about dogs, the dogs were actually passengers and were to sit in their seats. After a while–perhaps out of boredom–they got out of their seats and definitely were not following the rules. I turned to my grandson and said, “Look, the dogs are not following the rules.” He looked at me and said, “I don’t like to follow the rules.” I asked, “why not” and he plainly said, “because I don’t want to.” We talked–rather I talked–about the importance of following the rules in certain situations (i.e. preschool, safety). He just smiled and we left it at that for now.

Over the years, I am sure that I did not always follow the rules but eventually was taught the importance of following rules so that I could sit quietly in school, etc. We have books that teach us “how-to” do almost anything and everything IF we follow the instructions that we are given. There have been times when I have purchased a piece of furniture and thought I could put it together without looking at the instructions. Finally after struggling to put the item together, I realized I had to get out the instructions and read them step by step in order to finish the project that I started. Over the years, when I do buy something, I always check with the instructions first. Believe me, it saved a lot of undue frustration.

Sometimes we just don’t want to follow the rules and almost always–if we do not–there are usually consequences of some sort.

The Word of God teaches us to follow the Lord and His teachings in order to live a life that is good and to know right from wrong. We certainly need to teach our children this philosophy in order for them to survive in this world that is so big and vast and at times in turmoil. Knowing God and learning “more about Him” is learned by reading His Word and practicing what we have learned.

Scriptures clearly show us how to live and how to react even in the midst of trying circumstances. Living a life pleasing to Him should be important enough that others will see that in us. Scriptures that teach us about knowing God are as follows:

Colossians 1:10-12 (NIV): “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”

John 17:3 (NIV): “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Ephesians 1:17 (NIV): “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

I John 2:3-4 (NIV): “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

Even though my grandson is only 3-1/2, he too is still trying to understand and learn about following instructions and the rules everyday. More importantly as parents, grandparents, and teachers of children, it is up to all of us to show them how to live and follow the teachings, love, and grace of our Lord by being an example and role model. In this day and age, they need it more than ever.

Help us all to be teachers and doers of His Word and let His light shine in us every day. May the Lord bless you, and make His face to shine upon you.